A special musical performance narrating the story of Santiniketan and Rabindranath Tagore by the Indian artist Sanghamitra Das invites the audience to explore the unique world of Indian music and art.

“Rabindranath Tagore,” also known as “Gurudev,” is one of the world’s most important scholars, poets, writers, and artists. He was the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature and played a crucial role in shaping modern India’s national identity.

With a dedication to creating a connection of knowledge between India and the Western world, Tagore established a small educational institution in 1921 in the village of Santiniketan, his birthplace in West Bengal. Starting with the instruction of just seven students under a tree in an open space, this school has grown into India’s national university, known as “Visva-Bharati University” in Santiniketan. It adheres to the principle of integrated learning between the Western and Eastern worlds, as envisioned by Tagore.

Sanghamitra is a multidisciplinary artist who believes in the universal language of art and music to convey the profound relationship between the self and the environment. Her creations are deeply connected to the folk culture of Bengal, especially the Baul music performances* in which she has been extensively trained.

During her residency at the MATDOT Art Center from 17–26 July 2024, Sanghamitra  shared valuable cultural heritage through a special musical performance. This included singing, instrumental performances, storytelling, and showcasing paintings, all inspired by Tagore’s poetry, which is acclaimed as a masterpiece filled with emotion and the true spirit of modern India.

*Baul performances are conducted by groups of local musicians in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. The term “Baul” refers to a group of wandering minstrels who live a traditional lifestyle with a syncretic belief system combining elements of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The unique characteristic of Baul music performances is the singing and playing of musical instruments accompanied by rhythmic body movements, expressing their religious faith and beliefs. The lyrics often deal with the philosophy of life, the search for the meaning of life, and a love of nature. Typically, only a few traditional instruments are used, such as string instruments like the Ektara and Dotara, and drums like the Khamak, Dhol, and Duggi.